Ivor Novello's final, unfinished musical will be seen for the first time in 2014, with Finborough theatre presenting the world premiere in January.
The musical, which was finished after Novello's death by his longtime collaborator Christopher Hassall, is set just before the first world war in a town in the Welsh valleys. It follows the stuttering love between local choirmaster David and his leading soprano Lily, who leaves Wales for Venice to become an opera singer, just as the world faces up to the prospect of war.
Novello, who died in 1951, had intended Valley of Song to be his next West End show. It was intended as a hymn to his homeland and Hassell, his regular lyricist, carried on, before Phil Park and Ronald Hanmer adapted it for the amateur stage. Songs include I Know a Valley, Rainbow in the Fountain, Look in My Heart and Soldier Lad.
Novello, who was born David Ivor Davies, was the pre-eminent British musical theatre composer of his era. He was the son of a choirmaster himself; his mother Clara having founded and conducted the Royal Welsh Ladies Choir. Valley of Song possibly also takes inspiration from a radio play entitled Choir Practice, in which Novello played the lead in 1947. Cliff Gordon's play was later made into a film also called Valley of Song.
The new production will open on 5 January as part of the Finborough's continuing series, Celebrating British Musical Theatre, with Benji Sperring directing for his company, Tarquin Productions.
The London fringe theatre, known for dusting off forgotten classics, has previously produced a number of the Welsh composer's shows including Perchance to Dream and Gay's the Word.
